MBB Riyadh vs Dubai

Question

Question Body:
Hi everyone,
I’m currently deciding between applying to the Dubai and Riyadh offices and would appreciate your insights. I’ve spoken with several people, and while this may be a biased or incorrect perception, I got the sense that interviews at the Dubai office are more standardized and structured, whereas Riyadh interviews are perceived to be more intense or harsh.

I’ve even had conversations with people currently working in Riyadh, and they seemed quite tough and demanding in their communication style.

Has anyone else experienced or noticed a difference in interview approach, culture, or team dynamics between the two offices? Any input would help me prioritize better.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hello! I haven’t heard of major differences like that because recruiting tends to be pretty standardized across offices, and at the end of the day, it often comes down to the individual interviewer, not the location…

Instead of trying to game the process, I’d think more about where you actually see yourself living. After all, a lot of consultants in Dubai travel to Riyadh every week… Go with the office where you have a better match with current consultants / culture (and where you’d want to spend your weekends in!!) 🙂

Answer 2

I haven't gotten this sense based on the interview experiences of candidates of mine interviewing with these two offices.

If there were differences, I wouldn't assume they were structural (the process is meant to be the same across offices) but rather specific to those interviews.

However, if from the conversations you've had with the people from the two offices, you've gotten a stronger positive vibe from one of them, then follow your instincts and head there.

Best,
Cristian